When thinking about Oman’s private education sector, most conversations begin and end with Muscat. As the capital and economic heart of the country, Muscat has long dominated the market, with its cluster of high-performing international schools and dense expatriate population. But Oman is changing—and the most forward-looking school investors and owners are starting to ask a new question: where else is the next wave of growth happening?

This blog explores the emerging private school opportunities in three key regional markets—Sohar, Nizwa, and Salalah—and outlines what makes each of them unique, challenging, and full of potential for the right kind of educational offering.

Sohar: The Industrial Frontier

Sohar, Oman’s rapidly developing industrial and logistics hub on the northern coast, is more than just a port city. It’s a city of expanding opportunity, where thousands of families are being drawn by employment in manufacturing, logistics, and public services. According to the 2025 report, Sohar’s demographic profile is young, family-oriented, and increasingly aspirational—particularly among Omanis seeking bilingual education for their children.

Yet the private school landscape in Sohar remains underdeveloped. While a few established bilingual private schools serve the area, the absence of strong international curriculum options is increasingly noticeable. Families that want British or American curricula often send their children to boarding schools abroad or settle for limited local alternatives.

This gap represents a compelling opportunity. A well-designed, mid-fee school offering bilingual education with international accreditation could attract both local and expatriate families. The key will be location (ideally within reach of industrial housing areas), a strong academic reputation, and the ability to combine cultural grounding with global competencies. For investors, Sohar offers lower land acquisition costs and strong government support for education as part of broader economic development initiatives.

Nizwa: Cultural Capital, Educational Underserved

Nizwa, the historic and cultural heart of Oman, is often overlooked in conversations about economic development—but that’s a mistake. As the capital of the Ad Dakhiliyah region, Nizwa is home to a large, relatively stable Omani population with deep roots and a growing interest in educational quality. The local university has raised expectations for academic excellence, and many parents are now actively seeking better private school alternatives.

However, the private education offer in Nizwa is extremely limited. Most available options are small, national curriculum schools with limited facilities and few co-curricular programs. The report highlights the growing frustration among parents who want more than rote learning and overcrowded classrooms.

There is a clear opportunity for a school that positions itself as a modern, bilingual option committed to academic standards and whole-child development. Even a modest-sized school with smart investment in pedagogy, campus design, and community engagement could become the leading private school in the region. Here, the opportunity is not about scale but about first-mover advantage. The competition is minimal, and reputation will travel fast in this close-knit community.

Salalah: Gateway to the South

Salalah, Oman’s southern capital and gateway to the Dhofar region, has long been known for its unique climate, seasonal tourism, and rich heritage. But beneath its relaxed surface, a quiet transformation is underway. The city is growing—not just in size, but in sophistication. Its private education sector, however, hasn’t quite kept pace.

As the report outlines, Salalah has a few longstanding private schools, some of which are well-regarded, but the offering remains limited in breadth. British and American curriculum options are sparse, and premium schooling experiences are almost non-existent. Expatriate families working in tourism, agriculture, and trade sectors often express frustration with limited options, while local families are increasingly willing to pay for quality education if it aligns with their values.

A school that integrates global standards with strong Arabic and Islamic studies, located near the new residential zones of Salalah, could fill this gap. The seasonal tourism economy also means there may be demand for flexible school models—such as termly enrolment or summer programs. Importantly, Salalah’s growing links to East Africa and South Asia may make it a future base for expatriate families seeking stable, values-oriented education in a city with international connections.

Why Regional Expansion Matters

What these cities—Sohar, Nizwa, and Salalah—have in common is this: they are each experiencing sustained population growth, rising parental expectations, and a desire for alternatives to public education. At the same time, they suffer from a shortage of high-quality private school options.

Expanding into these regions is not simply a business decision—it is a nation-building one. Schools that open in underserved areas become community anchors. They often enjoy higher loyalty, better word-of-mouth, and stronger ties with local authorities. The right kind of regional school doesn’t just grow enrollment—it shapes aspirations.

What Success Requires

Of course, regional expansion comes with challenges. Recruiting qualified staff outside of Muscat can be difficult, unless schools provide strong housing, professional development, and relocation packages. Operating costs can be lower, but student acquisition may take time, especially in markets unfamiliar with private schooling. School owners must be prepared to take a long-term view, investing in local trust and school culture, not just facilities.

The most successful schools will be those that adapt to local context while maintaining academic rigor. That might mean different school hours, different language policies, or stronger parent engagement programs. But if done right, these regional schools will not only thrive—they’ll set a standard that reshapes education across Oman.

Conclusion: The Time to Move Is Now

Muscat will always be central to Oman’s private education story. But the future is also being written in Sohar’s industrial suburbs, Nizwa’s university-adjacent neighborhoods, and Salalah’s expanding urban edges. For those with the vision to see beyond the capital and the patience to build with purpose, these cities offer some of the most exciting opportunities in Oman’s education landscape.

Now download the full report…